Earle Page College 60th Reunion
Earl Page College 60th Reunion
20 - 22 October 2023
60 years of memories
The Piano Man made a guest appearance via YouTube at the recent 60th Earle Page College (EPC) reunion, capping off a nostalgic weekend.
But the gifted pianist – actually a cameo by former EPC resident Bob Crisp – was not the only highlight. Some 150 former college residents from all eras and all over Australia, as well as current Austin-Page Students, enjoyed speeches from Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran; Chancellor James Harris, former EPC master David Ward (1999-2010) and one of the college’s first residents, 80-year-old George Ryland. A letter from Sir Earle Page’s grandson, Don Page, also contributed to the moving Saturday night dinner in the old Earle Page dining hall, where many hours had been spent dining and taking part in formal dinners, balls, musicals and other college events.
“Former residents still feel very passionate about EPC and the importance of college life while studying,” said reunion organiser Tamara McKee. “But many were quite sad that Earle Page College is no longer operating in its own right in the original building.
“Our own Piano Man recorded a performance that we shared via video and we all sang along, just as we used to in the late 1980s, when Bob would spontaneously leap to the piano in the dining hall to belt out his rendition of the Billy Joel classic.”
Many of those who attended the reunion also gathered for drinks on the Friday night at The Welder’s Dog (hosted by former EPC resident and co-owner Tom Croft) and to savour brunch on campus on Sunday. Past runners in EPC’s annual Coast Run also participated in Armidale’s Saturday morning park run.
Tamara said the collection of memorabilia on display, including old EPC magazines and photographs, proved very popular, and a number of people who could not attend the reunion were inspired to host their own mini reunions with friends in Sydney.
Special thanks to the dedicated committee of EPC alumni who organised the weekend.
Visit the EPC60 website for further reminiscing and to stay up-to-date with future EPC Alumni events, or join the EPC Alumni Facebook group.
